Members of Russian punk rock band Pussy Riot sentenced to 2 years in prison on controversial charges of hooliganism: protesters jailed in NYC

Members of Russian punk rock band Pussy Riot have been sentenced to 2 years in prison on controversial charges of hooliganism following a highly publicized arrest in March in Moscow following an anti-Putin themed live performance in a church.

The Huffington Post issued the following report:

“MOSCOW — A Moscow judge sentenced three members of the provocative punk band Pussy Riot to two years in prison on hooliganism charges on Friday following a trial seen around the world as an emblem of Russia’s intolerance of dissent.

The trial inspired a wave of small but raucous protests across Europe and North America in support of the feminist rockers, who have been dubbed prisoners of conscience by Amnesty International. Hundreds of Pussy Riot supporters waiting outside the Moscow courtroom chanted “down with the police state” when the sentence was announced. Dozens were detained, including several opposition leaders.

The three women were arrested in March after a guerrilla performance in Moscow’s main cathedral where they high-kicked and danced while singing a “punk prayer” pleading with the Virgin Mary to save Russia from Vladimir Putin, who was elected to a third term as Russia’s president two weeks later.” Click HERE for full story.

Subsequently in the US, Pussy Riot supporters have been arrested in NYC during a protest this morning, according to posts from the Gothamist.com:

“In New York City, a march began at 9 a.m. at the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, followed by the Russian Consulate on East 91st Street. The NYPD were warning the group that they were “obstructing a public sidewalk,” and just around 10 a.m. photographer Jessica Lehrmen Tweeted, “Shits about to go down.” There have been multiple arrests since then, with protesters refusing to remove their masks as they’re led into police cruisers.” Read the full article HERE.